School Field Trips

Elementary Schools, Preschools and Daycares

Spring Tour Dates:
April 25 thru May 31, Wednesday thru Friday. Reservations are required.

Fall Tour Dates:
September 21 thru 28, Wednesday thru Friday.
October 2 thru 31, Tuesday thru Friday. Reservations are required.

Tour Times:
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.

Tour Length:
Plan a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours.

Prices:
Tours are $6.50 per person, includes hayride. Children under 1 are free.
1 Free staff/chaperone for every 10 children.

Deposit:
To reserve your farm tour date and time, a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 per group is required within 7-14 days of making your reservation. Please send a copy of your school or groups Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exempt Status if applicable, along with a copy of your registration form. The deposit will be deducted off of you field trip cost the day of your visit.

Registration Process:
Fill-out and submit the on-line registration form. Print a copy for your records and one to mail in with the required deposit to Busy Barns Adventure Farm W7675 US Hwy 12, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Once your deposit is obtained, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and/or call with your scheduled farm tour date and time. Seven to ten days prior to your scheduled farm tour you will receive a reminder e-mail and/or call to confirm your arrival and answer any questions.

Attendance Numbers:
Firm attendance numbers are required 1 week in advance of your visit. This number will determine how many free items are sent home in your teacher welcome bag. Providing us with a firm number will also help us get your group checked in quickly and efficiently, maximizing the time your group will have to explore to farm. Once you've provided an attendance number you are welcome to add people, however we will not refund for under attendance.

Payment:
Payment can be made by cash or check made out to Busy Barns Farm and is collected on arrival the day of your visit. You are welcome to make your payment ahead of your visit, however we will not refund for under attendance. The advantage of paying ahead is that your check-in time will be quicker, maximizing the time your group will have to explore the farm. A single payment covering the entire group is preferred. No credit cards, teacher passes or farm coupons can be used. There is a minimum group fee of $100 per tour.

Rain:
Tours will take place unless the weather is severe. We operate in light rain, so rain gear is advised. If you consider the weather inclement, please call Busy Barns Farm at 920-691-6742 to cancel. We will make every attempt to reschedule your farm tour. If you elect not to reschedule, your deposit will be forfeited. Our hayride is dependent on weather and field conditions.

Cancellations:
If it is necessary to cancel your scheduled farm tour for other than the weather, we require two weeks notice so that we may fill your appointment time or you will forfeit the $50.00 required deposit.

Snack/Lunch:
We invite everyone to bring a snack or lunch to the farm. Our large white picnic tent and Little Barn provide seating while eating. In addition, we have outdoor picnic tables and other seating available in our Play Barn. There are no drinking fountains on-site, please plan accordingly. There are no concessions during the week, however we will have water for sale - $1 per bottle. Please help us recycle by using the designated containers available around the farm. (farm map)

Chaperones:
We allow 1 staff/chaperone free per 10 students. We request a 1 to 5 adult/child ratio to properly supervise the children at play so they have a safe and fun experience at the farm. Staff/chaperones are expected to supervise the children at all times.

Pumpkin Picking: (fall)
Students will walk to the pumpkin patch that is just off of our acres of adventures. Please bring black permanent markers and bags to mark and place your children’s pumpkins in. The plastic bag or old pillow case will assist the children in carrying their pumpkins and help to keep the vehicles/buses interior clean. If our pumpkin crop volume is low due to growing conditions, we will discount your admission price per student by 50 cents. Pumpkins are for children only.

Lesson Plans:
Guided tour participants, don’t forget to generate your lesson plans to reinforce the materials that your students will learn while visiting the farm. The curriculum will also provide additional learning opportunities on a variety of Wisconsin agricultural commodities and topics that we won’t get the chance to fully discuss at the farm. 2012 Spring Curriculum, "Animal Chores"

Attire:
Please make sure children are dressed appropriately for the outdoor activities, including coats, hats, mittens and potentially rain gear.

Restrooms:
Port-a-potties and hand-washing stations are available.

Parking:
Free parking is available. Follow the parking signs when you arrive at the farm. (farm map)

Arrival Process:
Farm staff will welcome your group by their vehicles or on the buses. Please remain on the bus until you are checked-in. Your group may be provided with a wagon to assist you in transporting your lunches. The farm staff will collect your field trip check-in form and payment. Each teacher will be given a teacher welcome bag that will contain the leader/teachers name tag, a farm map, animal feed, scheduled tour times, free educational material and a field trip evaluation.

Departure Process:
In the spring you're welcome to depart when your farm exploration is complete. In the fall farm staff will meet your group at the pumpkin patch about 15 minutes before departure. A brief overview of the pumpkin patch will be given, followed by assisting our guests in selecting the perfect pumpkin. Please don’t forget to bring your permanent markers, plastic bags or old pillow cases to carry your pumpkins home in.

Contact:
Mariah Telfer-Hadler for reservations and further information at 920-691-6742 or info@busybarnsfarm.com